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Ashutoshias’ clash with Sikhs
leaves 15 injured
WSN Network
 MALOUT:
Even as the Dera
Sirsa's confrontation with the Sikhs continues, the simmering
problem with the self-styled Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan (DJJS) of
Noormahal exploded on September evening in Malout when chelas of
Ashutosh clashed with some local Sikhs leading to pitched battles.
Police fired in the air during the clash that left 15 people
injured, three of them in a serious condition.
Situation
continued to be highly volatile. Both parties seemed armed with
sticks etc, but the administration failed to intervene despite the
fact that the tension prevailed in the town since morning after DJJS
followers announced a four-day 'Ram Katha' programme at the Sewa
Sadan building. Heavy police deployment was there but no one tried
to stop the unauthorised DJJS function. Media people were not
allowed near the spot, and reportedly some people on both sides
carried fire arms.
Around 200 Sikhs
marched to the ashram and crossed the two police barricades set up
to break their progress. Soon, all hell broke loose as the groups
began pelting stones and cops added to the ruckus with their firing.
Since the Ashutoshias have scheduled discourses for five days, from
September 8-12 at a dharamshala in the town, the tension continues.
The power supply in the city tripped even as the firing was going
on.
10 September 2008
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